In 2016, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Amman under the title:

“Is There a Place for Youth in the Labor Market?”

The event focused on discussing the challenges facing young people in accessing employment opportunities in Jordan and the growing gap between education outcomes and labor market demands. The dialogue explored issues related to unemployment, economic participation, skills development, and the future of youth employment in the country.

The session brought together policymakers, economic experts, media figures, and young participants in an open discussion about the realities of the labor market and the need for policies and initiatives that empower youth and create sustainable employment opportunities.

The event featured distinguished speakers, including:

• Former Prime Minister Dr. Omar Razzaz
• Mrs. Jumana Ghunaimat

The discussion highlighted the importance of investing in youth capabilities, supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, and strengthening the connection between education, training, and the evolving needs of the labor market in Jordan.

In 2015, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Amman under the title:

“Educational Curricula Are Responsible for the Decline in the Cultural and Artistic Awareness of Youth.”

The event focused on discussing the role of educational curricula in shaping the cultural, artistic, and intellectual development of young people in Jordan. The dialogue explored whether current education systems adequately support creativity, critical thinking, artistic appreciation, and cultural engagement among youth.

The session brought together academics, policymakers, educators, and community members to exchange perspectives on the relationship between education and cultural identity, while addressing the challenges facing arts and cultural education in schools and universities.

The event featured several distinguished speakers, including:

• His Excellency Dr. Izzat Jaradat
• His Excellency Dr. Atef Adibat
• Her Excellency MP Wafaa Bani Mustafa
• His Excellency Mr. Ayman Al-Akour

The discussion highlighted the importance of strengthening educational and cultural policies that encourage creativity, artistic expression, and active youth participation in cultural life across Jordan.

In 2015, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Karak under the title:

“The Performance of Karak Municipality Meets the Aspirations of Citizens.”

The event focused on discussing the role of Karak Municipality in meeting the needs of local residents and improving public services, infrastructure, and development initiatives within the governorate. The dialogue explored the relationship between municipalities and citizens, highlighting the importance of transparency, community participation, and sustainable local development.

The session brought together municipal officials, academics, community leaders, and residents in an open discussion about the challenges facing the city and the opportunities for enhancing municipal performance and civic engagement.

The event featured several distinguished speakers, including:

• Mayor of Karak, Engineer Muhammad Al-Ma’ayta
• Professor Abdul-Hay Al-Ramadin
• Professor Khalid Al-Dhamour
• Professor Ghaleb Al-Habashneh

The discussion emphasized the importance of cooperation between local authorities and communities in shaping development priorities and improving the quality of life for citizens in Karak.

In 2014, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Amman under the title:

“Is There a Place for Free Art in Jordan?”

The event focused on discussing artistic freedom, cultural expression, and the challenges facing independent artists and cultural institutions in Jordan. The dialogue explored the role of art in society, the relationship between culture and public space, and the importance of supporting creative freedom and cultural diversity.

The session brought together artists, cultural leaders, and members of the public in an open discussion about the realities of the artistic scene in Jordan, including opportunities for young creatives, cultural production, and the need for inclusive spaces that encourage free artistic expression.

The event featured several distinguished speakers, including:

• Head of the Jordanian Artists Syndicate, Mr. Sari Al-Asaad
• Director of the Heritage Directorate at the Ministry of Culture, Mr. Hikmat Al-Nawaisah
• Director of Al-Balad Theater, Mr. Raed Asfour
• Cultural Director, Ms. Rusul Al-Nasser

The discussion highlighted the important role of art and culture in promoting dialogue, creativity, and social engagement, while emphasizing the need to support an open and vibrant cultural environment in Jordan.

In 2014, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Balqaa under the title:

“Section 308 Is Insulting to Jordanian Women.”

The event focused on discussing Article 308 of the Jordanian Penal Code, which at the time allowed a rapist to avoid punishment if he married his victim. The dialogue addressed the legal, social, and human rights implications of the law and its impact on women’s rights and dignity in Jordanian society.

The session created an open platform for community discussion around gender justice, legal reform, and the importance of protecting women from violence and discrimination. Participants exchanged perspectives on the need for legislative change and stronger protection mechanisms for women and girls in Jordan.

The discussion was organized and led by the Diwanieh Team, reflecting the initiative’s commitment to raising awareness around critical social issues and encouraging meaningful public dialogue.

Article 308 was officially repealed in Jordan in 2017, marking a significant step forward in advancing women’s rights and legal reform in the country.

In 2014, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Amman under the title:

“Is Banning Shisha a Decision in the Best Interest of the Jordanian Citizen and State?”

The event focused on discussing the social, economic, and public health implications of banning shisha in Jordan. The dialogue explored different perspectives surrounding public health policies, citizens’ rights, business interests, and the role of government regulations in protecting community wellbeing.

The session brought together government officials, health experts, business representatives, and members of the public in an open discussion addressing the impact of the decision on society, the hospitality sector, and public spaces across Jordan.

The event featured several distinguished speakers, including:

• Mayor of Amman, His Excellency the late Mr. Aqel Biltaji
• Former Minister of Health, Dr. Zaid Hamza
• Her Excellency MP Hind Al-Fayez
• Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jordanian Restaurants Association, Mr. Issam Fakhr Al-Din

The discussion highlighted the importance of open civic dialogue in addressing public policy decisions and encouraging balanced conversations around health, economy, and community interests in Jordan.

In 2014, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Amman under the title:

“The Anti-Terrorism Law Restricts Freedom of Expression.”

The event focused on discussing the implications of the anti-terrorism law on civil liberties, media freedom, and freedom of expression in Jordan. The dialogue explored the balance between national security concerns and the protection of democratic rights and public freedoms.

The session brought together legal experts, political figures, activists, and members of the public in an open discussion addressing the legal and societal impact of the legislation, as well as its influence on political participation and public discourse.

The event featured distinguished speakers, including:

• His Excellency Engineer Musa Al-Maayta
• Lawyer Professor Saed Karajeh

The discussion emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue around legislation affecting public freedoms and highlighted the role of civic engagement in shaping informed and inclusive policy conversations in Jordan.

In 2014, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Zarqa under the title:

“The Performance of Zarqa Municipality Meets the Aspirations of Citizens.”

The event focused on discussing the role and performance of Zarqa Municipality in addressing the needs and expectations of citizens, particularly in areas related to urban development, infrastructure, economic growth, and public services.

The discussion created an open platform for dialogue between municipal officials, community leaders, and residents, allowing participants to exchange perspectives on the challenges facing the city and the opportunities for improving local governance and municipal services.

The session featured several distinguished speakers, including:

• Mayor of Zarqa, Engineer Emad Al-Momani
• Head of the Development Unit, Engineer Muhammad Al-Zawahreh
• His Excellency Senator Dr. Mustafa Al-Fayyad
• President of the Zarqa Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Hussein Shreim

The event highlighted the importance of community engagement and transparent dialogue in strengthening local development efforts and improving cooperation between citizens and public institutions in Zarqa.

In 2014, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Mafraq under the title:

“The Syrian Crisis Threatens Jordan’s Stability.”

The event focused on discussing the social, economic, and political impact of the Syrian crisis on Jordan, particularly on border communities and governorates heavily affected by the refugee situation. The discussion highlighted the challenges related to infrastructure, public services, employment, and local stability.

The event brought together public figures, local officials, and community members to exchange perspectives on how Jordan could address the growing pressures caused by the regional crisis while maintaining social cohesion and national stability.

The session featured several notable speakers, including:

• His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Owaidat
• Mayor of Mafraq, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al-Hawamdeh
• His Excellency Dr. Ali Al-Dala’een
• His Excellency Mr. Ali Al-Armouti

Through events like this, Diwanieh contributed to promoting public dialogue on critical national and regional issues while encouraging civic engagement and community participation.

In 2014, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Wadi Musa under the title:

“The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority Has a Positive Impact on the District.”

The event focused on discussing the developmental and economic role of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority and its impact on local communities, tourism, infrastructure, and public services in the Petra region.

The dialogue brought together officials, community leaders, and residents to exchange views on sustainable development, tourism investment, and the future of the district. The event encouraged open discussion between citizens and decision-makers on the opportunities and challenges facing the region.

The session featured several notable speakers, including:

• Dr. Mohammad Al-Nawafleh, Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority
• Dr. Imad Hijazeen, Commissioner of the Petra Reserve and Vice Chairman of the Authority
• Mr. Ali Raja Al-Nasrat
• Mr. Khader Al-Nawafleh

Through events like this, Diwanieh contributed to strengthening civic participation and promoting dialogue around local development and public policy issues in Jordan.